Sociology

Boasting an international reputation and a thriving academic environment, the Sociology programme of the University of Surrey supervises PhDs in a wide range of subjects across sociology, criminology, digital media and communications and related areas.

As a postgraduate researcher, you will join a diverse community of full and part-time PhD students from the UK, the EU and around the world. The Sociology PhD students at the University of Surrey play an important part in the life and culture of our vibrant and friendly department.

Career opportunities

Exactly what you’ll study will depend on the topic of your PhD. We can supervise a wide range of areas relating to criminology, sociology, gender, and digital media and communications – please see the ‘themes and facilities’ tab for a full list.The PhD programme centres on close individual tuition and guidance from your supervisory team, comprising a principal supervisor, a co-supervisor and, in some cases, an additional third supervisor. Supervisors offer advice, feedback and guidance on all aspects of the PhD process, as well as – where appropriate – on career and CV development, and research dissemination through publications and conference papers.We formally review your progress twice a year, offering the opportunity for medium and longer-term research planning, the identification of training needs, and provision of CV and career advice. Progress reviews also offer you the opportunity to raise any queries, concerns or suggestions.Close to the end of your first year, you will complete a PhD confirmation process in which you will receive detailed feedback and guidance on your work, from staff outside your supervisory team.You will also attend a range of courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and other events as appropriate to your project. As well as offering training in research skills or different aspects of the PhD process, such events offer opportunities for you to present your work to one another, or exchange findings and ideas with staff or external speakers.

Research themes

• Age and ageing

• Computational social science

• Crime prevention

• Criminology and criminal justice

• Digital media technologies and society

• Environment and sustainability

• Everyday consumption and food

• Families and parenting

• Gender and sexualities

• Hate crime

• Health and illness

• Higher education

• Identity and difference

• Media and communications

• Methodological innovations and developments

• Policing

• Prisons